On Saturday May 17, St. Louis Rams Linebacker Chris Draft welcomed youth and parent campers to his day-long Get Checked and Get Fit™ Draft Day™: St. Louis Style fitness camp at Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club Sportsman’s Park Unit on North Grand Avenue. Campers at Draft Day represented the city of St. Louis, St. Louis County and East St. Louis. Each participant served as an ambassador, charged with carrying the day’s tips, tools and back to their respective groups, helping spread knowledge about fitness, nutrition and health maintenance.

As a part of the St. Louis Rams’ Play60 program, geared toward inspiring youth to play every day, Draft Day® youth and parent participants enjoyed special sessions and camp curricula designed to empower them to make choices to live healthier lifestyles.  Participating St. Louis Rams’ teammates included Victor Adeyanju, Eric Bassey, Quinton Culberson, Adam Goldberg, Brandon Gorin, Marques Hagans, Nick Leckey, Brett Romberg, and Mark Setterstrom.  St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders and Coaches were also on hand as session facilitators.

Embracing sport and activity in every form, Draft Day®  began with a special dance performance of “Battlefield” from MADCO, the Modern American Dance Company. MADCO, known for its versatile and athletic style. The day’s camp curriculum included separate sessions for both youth and parents:

• Agility Drills: Indoor and outdoor drills led by St. Louis Rams football players using NFL Play-Action powered by HOPSports and outdoor drills using official NFL equipment
• Just Us Guys: guys only break-out session led by St. Louis Rams football players
• Girl Talk: girls’ session featuring St. Louis Rams cheerleaders
• Chef Talk: Simple tools, tips and lessons in healthier eating
• Coaches and Parent’s Roundtable: featuring St. Louis Rams Coaches and St. Louis Rams Moms & Dads
• Financial Literacy: Advice and helpful information about family finance and educational funding from Edward Jones and the U.S. Department of Education
• Health Professional Roundtable: The Centers for Disease Control, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, St. Louis City Health Department & more
• Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Spirits: yoga classes for youth, massage therapy for parents and wellness education
• Goal Setting: Youth learn the process of setting personal goals and making plans to achieve them

Related Article: LB Does Double Duty on Draft Day
Related Article: Draft Goes Beyond Game to Contribute